Greetings from Knit Cafe by Suzan Mischer, Victoria Pearson (Photographer)

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stepping into your favorite yarn shop — it is

Knitter’s review

Knit Cafe Journal ISBN 978-1-58479-500-1

S T C C raft C lassic

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Greetings from Knit Cafe is like “Opening

and unusual friends.

Knit Cafe Note Cards ISBN 978-1-58479-482-0

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Also Available from STC Craft

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GREETINGS

Victoria Pearson is a distinguished photographer specializing in still life, travel, food, and beauty. Among her many clients are Mercedes, Martha Stewart Living, and Pottery Barn. She lives in Los Angeles.

Jacket h Cardigan

Mischer

Suzan Mischer was vice president for specials and documentaries at CBS until the mid-1990s, when she left her job to raise her children.

Among her credits at CBS were the Grammy Awards, the Tony Awards, and the Presidential Inaugural Gala. Mischer lives in Los Angeles, where she opened Knit Cafe in 2002.

Stewart, Tabori & Chang An imprint of Harry N. Abrams, Inc. 115 West 18th Street New York, NY 10011 www.stcbooks.com www.melaniefalickbooks.com Cover photographs © 2006 by Victoria Pearson Cover design by Sarah Von Dreele and Tina Gianesini Printed in China

U.S. $17.95 Canada $19.95 U.K. £9.99

An stc craft CLASSIC – UPDATED AND now in paperback!

When former CBS Vice President Suzan Mischer decided to open a knitting store on Melrose Avenue, she wanted to create a place where people could gather, slow down, listen to great music, and get to know each other (as well as buy supplies and knit, of course). Her vision led to Knit Cafe, a sleek yet homey yarn store where an eclectic mix of Hollywood residents could

GREETINGS

from

KNIT CAFE

unwind with their yarn and needles. Now available in a paperback edition, Greetings from Knit Cafe takes knitters on an armchair journey to this center of creativity and friendship.

This colorful, cozy, and chic book offers thirty of Knit Cafe’s most popular patterns for “California style” projects—from hiking socks and a hoodie to a bikini and a “red carpet” gown. It also features stories about how the celebrated store came to be, the daily goingson, and the improbable mix of actors, surfers, doctors, and directors that gather there. Even a few favorite recipes from regular customers

Valerie’s C hocolate-D ipped Almond S hortbread

U.S. $17.95 Canada $19.95 U.K. £9.99 ISBN 978-1-58479-768-5

51795

9

F_GFKC_CoverReprint_mech.indd 1

are included. Greetings from Knit Cafe is, quite

Suzan Mischer

simply, the best way to share the story, spirit,

Photographs by

and patterns of this unique yarn store.

Victoria Pearson

781584 797685

2/10/09 1:59:22 PM

Published in 2009 by Stewart, Tabori & Chang An imprint of Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Originally published in hardcover in 2006 by Stewart, Tabori & Chang Text copyright © 2006 by Suzan Mischer All photographs except pages 13 and 144 copyright © 2006 by Victoria Pearson Photographs pages 13 and 144 copyright © 2006 by Judy Gigliotti Hand Made page 87 copyright © 2006 by Hope Anita Smith Hope Anita Smith is the author of The Way A Door Closes (Henry Holt, 2003) “Knitcafe” is a registered trademark of Knitcafe, Inc. and cannot be used without the written permission of Knitcafe, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data: Mischer, Suzan.

Greetings from knit cafe / Suzan Mischer ; photographs by Victoria Pearson. p. cm.

Includes index.

ISBN 978-1-58479-768-5 1. Knitting--Patterns. 2. Knitwear. I. Title.

TT825.M58 2006 746.43’2--dc22 2005029383

For my family: Gram & Grampa Kolb Gram & Grandpa Reed Dad & Gloria Mom & Marty Chuck, Doug, Britt & Craig My Big Girls, Jenny & Heather

Editor: Melanie Falick Designer: Sarah Von Dreele Production Manager: Jacqueline Poirier

My Children, Charlie & Lilly Brownie and Don Whoever I am today

The text of this book was composed in Avenir, Sabon, and Corky

is because of you.

Printed and bound in China 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Love, Suzan

115 West 18th Street New York, NY 10011 www.hnabooks.com

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G R E E T I NGS F RO M K NI T CA F E

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COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL 2/10/09 12:40:10 PM

Published in 2009 by Stewart, Tabori & Chang An imprint of Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Originally published in hardcover in 2006 by Stewart, Tabori & Chang Text copyright © 2006 by Suzan Mischer All photographs except pages 13 and 144 copyright © 2006 by Victoria Pearson Photographs pages 13 and 144 copyright © 2006 by Judy Gigliotti Hand Made page 87 copyright © 2006 by Hope Anita Smith Hope Anita Smith is the author of The Way A Door Closes (Henry Holt, 2003) “Knitcafe” is a registered trademark of Knitcafe, Inc. and cannot be used without the written permission of Knitcafe, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data: Mischer, Suzan.

Greetings from knit cafe / Suzan Mischer ; photographs by Victoria Pearson. p. cm.

Includes index.

ISBN 978-1-58479-768-5 1. Knitting--Patterns. 2. Knitwear. I. Title.

TT825.M58 2006 746.43’2--dc22 2005029383

For my family: Gram & Grampa Kolb Gram & Grandpa Reed Dad & Gloria Mom & Marty Chuck, Doug, Britt & Craig My Big Girls, Jenny & Heather

Editor: Melanie Falick Designer: Sarah Von Dreele Production Manager: Jacqueline Poirier

My Children, Charlie & Lilly Brownie and Don Whoever I am today

The text of this book was composed in Avenir, Sabon, and Corky

is because of you.

Printed and bound in China 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Love, Suzan

115 West 18th Street New York, NY 10011 www.hnabooks.com

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Pilates instructor, entertainment executive, surfer, psychiatrist, school teacher, minister, surgeon, mountain biker, stay-at-home mom (and dad), actor, actress, acupuncturist, yoga instructor, professional football player, symphony violinist, amazing kids of all ages, ER nurse, handwriting analyst, painter, makeup artist, chef, poet, judge, jewelry designer, entrepreneur...and on and on.

These are the people I get to hang out with EVERY DAY! They are the knitters who come to my store. They are what make Knit Cafe so much fun.

When I opened Knit Cafe, I was creating a place for me. I wanted a space where I could do many of my favorite things—listen to music, drink tea, play with wonderful yarns, think up fun ideas to knit and crochet, and meet new people.

It quickly became “casa” to the entire neighborhood.

Welcome! Here is the story of how Knit Cafe came to be and what it has come to mean to me.

8

G R E E T I NGS F RO M K NI T CA F E

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Pilates instructor, entertainment executive, surfer, psychiatrist, school teacher, minister, surgeon, mountain biker, stay-at-home mom (and dad), actor, actress, acupuncturist, yoga instructor, professional football player, symphony violinist, amazing kids of all ages, ER nurse, handwriting analyst, painter, makeup artist, chef, poet, judge, jewelry designer, entrepreneur...and on and on.

These are the people I get to hang out with EVERY DAY! They are the knitters who come to my store. They are what make Knit Cafe so much fun.

When I opened Knit Cafe, I was creating a place for me. I wanted a space where I could do many of my favorite things—listen to music, drink tea, play with wonderful yarns, think up fun ideas to knit and crochet, and meet new people.

It quickly became “casa” to the entire neighborhood.

Welcome! Here is the story of how Knit Cafe came to be and what it has come to mean to me.

8

G R E E T I NGS F RO M K NI T CA F E

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Starting at the Very Beginning

Heading West

My earliest memories of knitting are back in my grandparents’ living room in

When I was in my 20s, I moved from from New Jersey to California (to be with

Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Grandma Kolb is sitting in her recliner beside Grandpa

a guy—what else?!). For a while I did office work for different companies but,

Kolb’s recliner, her “close-up” glasses snug on her face. From time to time, she

ultimately, ended up at CBS Television Network. I started as a temp but worked

looks up and takes a sip of her highball or a drag on her cigarette, both of which

my way into a permanent position and went on to become the vice president of

rest on a table nearby, but otherwise, she is completely absorbed in her knitting,

specials and documentaries. This was an exciting time in my life. I was pretty

usually an intricately cabled fisherman-style sweater. Knitting is what Grandma

independent, very busy, always in the middle of exciting things with exciting

Kolb did to unwind after a day of fishing or hunting with my grandfather. They

people. I was used to producers, directors, and writers calling me daily and feeling

were avid outdoorspeople. Her knitting bag was always next to her recliner and

like I was on the inside track. I knit a bit during this time and I enjoyed it, but

her pad of paper with her project notes on the table. I knew never to touch them.

I definitely remained a novice, which was fine with me.

When I was seven years old, Gram decided I was ready to learn how to knit. She

It wasn’t until the early 1990s, after leaving CBS to be home with my kids, that

gave me a pair of her long metal needles and some bright pink scratchy wool

I became an avid knitter. I loved being home and taking care of my family but

and began to teach me the basic knit stitch. My first project was a headband. I

shifting from the professional world to the stay-at-home mom world was tough

have vivid memories of taking my place in Grandpa’s recliner and working qui-

for me—the change in priorities and pace and the loss of the social network took

etly on that holey pink strip. I also remember how good it felt when Gram

me a while to get used to. Eventually I found a lot of comfort in my knitting and

would look over and smile at me—as good as it felt when my mom taught me

enjoyed teaching myself new techniques and trying new projects. I carried my

how to iron my dad’s shirts and nodded her approval as I finished my first one!

knitting with me everywhere and I began to notice how friendly people were toward

Being an antsy kid, I didn’t stick with knitting consistently, but I did take my

me when they saw it. It had been similar when I was pregnant—a baby-filled

yarn and needles with me whenever I visited my grandparents.

belly and a knitting bag seemed to evoke the same ease. One day, I was walking down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, my knitting stuffed in my purse, when a nice

When I was sixteen, Gram took me into her kitchen and excitedly pulled out a

old man stopped me and told me all about his mother and the wonderful things

sweater she had made for me. It was knit out of heavy gray, black, and white

she used to knit for him. He seemed so happy to be able to talk about his mom

Icelandic wool, the kind water can barely penetrate. It was from a pattern by

with someone. I was still pretty lonely and I really enjoyed the pleasant exchanges

Elizabeth Zimmermann and knit completely in the round. No seams! She was

my knitting provoked.

sweater very much and I thanked her over and over, even though secretly I wished it had been fluffy pink angora or something else more girlish. But I ended up wearing it all the time during cold, snowy winters. In fact, I STILL wear it. I take it with me skiing every year! (And that’s me in it in the photo on the back flap of this book.) Today, I fully appreciate the mastery that my grandmother put into that sweater. And I’m grateful to her for planting the seeds in me all those years ago that have now grown into such a huge part of my life.

10

PLATES BY JOHN DERIAN COMPANY

so impressed with the genius of this “new” concept in knitting. I liked the

When I started to drive my children to school in the morning, I would stop at my local Starbucks on my way home to have some tea and knit. It was one of those places where customers work on their computers and read newspapers for hours and moms gather and chat while their kids run all over the place. Every day I saw the same people and came to know them. I enjoyed my time there but kept thinking how perfect it would be if they had a yarn department. And then it struck me that I could create such a place, a place with great yarn, coffee and

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Starting at the Very Beginning

Heading West

My earliest memories of knitting are back in my grandparents’ living room in

When I was in my 20s, I moved from from New Jersey to California (to be with

Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Grandma Kolb is sitting in her recliner beside Grandpa

a guy—what else?!). For a while I did office work for different companies but,

Kolb’s recliner, her “close-up” glasses snug on her face. From time to time, she

ultimately, ended up at CBS Television Network. I started as a temp but worked

looks up and takes a sip of her highball or a drag on her cigarette, both of which

my way into a permanent position and went on to become the vice president of

rest on a table nearby, but otherwise, she is completely absorbed in her knitting,

specials and documentaries. This was an exciting time in my life. I was pretty

usually an intricately cabled fisherman-style sweater. Knitting is what Grandma

independent, very busy, always in the middle of exciting things with exciting

Kolb did to unwind after a day of fishing or hunting with my grandfather. They

people. I was used to producers, directors, and writers calling me daily and feeling

were avid outdoorspeople. Her knitting bag was always next to her recliner and

like I was on the inside track. I knit a bit during this time and I enjoyed it, but

her pad of paper with her project notes on the table. I knew never to touch them.

I definitely remained a novice, which was fine with me.

When I was seven years old, Gram decided I was ready to learn how to knit. She

It wasn’t until the early 1990s, after leaving CBS to be home with my kids, that

gave me a pair of her long metal needles and some bright pink scratchy wool

I became an avid knitter. I loved being home and taking care of my family but

and began to teach me the basic knit stitch. My first project was a headband. I

shifting from the professional world to the stay-at-home mom world was tough

have vivid memories of taking my place in Grandpa’s recliner and working qui-

for me—the change in priorities and pace and the loss of the social network took

etly on that holey pink strip. I also remember how good it felt when Gram

me a while to get used to. Eventually I found a lot of comfort in my knitting and

would look over and smile at me—as good as it felt when my mom taught me

enjoyed teaching myself new techniques and trying new projects. I carried my

how to iron my dad’s shirts and nodded her approval as I finished my first one!

knitting with me everywhere and I began to notice how friendly people were toward

Being an antsy kid, I didn’t stick with knitting consistently, but I did take my

me when they saw it. It had been similar when I was pregnant—a baby-filled

yarn and needles with me whenever I visited my grandparents.

belly and a knitting bag seemed to evoke the same ease. One day, I was walking down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, my knitting stuffed in my purse, when a nice

When I was sixteen, Gram took me into her kitchen and excitedly pulled out a

old man stopped me and told me all about his mother and the wonderful things

sweater she had made for me. It was knit out of heavy gray, black, and white

she used to knit for him. He seemed so happy to be able to talk about his mom

Icelandic wool, the kind water can barely penetrate. It was from a pattern by

with someone. I was still pretty lonely and I really enjoyed the pleasant exchanges

Elizabeth Zimmermann and knit completely in the round. No seams! She was

my knitting provoked.

sweater very much and I thanked her over and over, even though secretly I wished it had been fluffy pink angora or something else more girlish. But I ended up wearing it all the time during cold, snowy winters. In fact, I STILL wear it. I take it with me skiing every year! (And that’s me in it in the photo on the back flap of this book.) Today, I fully appreciate the mastery that my grandmother put into that sweater. And I’m grateful to her for planting the seeds in me all those years ago that have now grown into such a huge part of my life.

10

PLATES BY JOHN DERIAN COMPANY

so impressed with the genius of this “new” concept in knitting. I liked the

When I started to drive my children to school in the morning, I would stop at my local Starbucks on my way home to have some tea and knit. It was one of those places where customers work on their computers and read newspapers for hours and moms gather and chat while their kids run all over the place. Every day I saw the same people and came to know them. I enjoyed my time there but kept thinking how perfect it would be if they had a yarn department. And then it struck me that I could create such a place, a place with great yarn, coffee and

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CANYON HIKING SOCKS JULIA TRICE

In California, we have so many great trails to take hikes and long walks on with our dogs or family and friends.

From Knit Cafe, which is in the heart of urban West Hollywood, I can drive to a hiking trail within five to ten minutes depending on traffic.

These knee-high socks are super-comfortable thanks to the shaping along the calf—and are great for protecting legs from bugs and thorns. When not hiking, I also like them with a casual skirt.

Sizes

Yarn

Needles

Notions

Small (Medium, Large) To fit US woman’s shoe size 5-6 (7-8, 9-10) Shown in size Medium

Rowan Wool Cotton (50% wool / 50% cotton; 123 yards / 50 grams): 5 (5, 6) skeins #956 coffee rich (dark brown; MC); 1 skein each #960 laurel (bright green; A), #955 ship shape (blue; B), #911 rich (red; C) and #942 mellow yellow (light yellow; D)

One set of 5 double-pointed needles (dpn) size US 3 (3.25 mm)

Stitch markers; yarn needle

NOTES

Socks are knit on four needles.

The fifth needle is used to pick up gusset stitches.

Cuff

Using MC, CO 60 (64, 68) sts. Distribute sts on three needles as follows: Needle one (N1) [half of back of sock]: 15 (16, 17) sts.

30

Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

Needle two (N2) [top of sock]: 30 (32, 34) sts.

Needle three (N3) [half of back of sock]: 15 (16, 17) sts.

Join for working in the rnd, being careful not to twist sts; place marker for beginning of rnd. Begin k2, p2 rib; work even until piece measures 4" from beginning. Change to k1, p1 rib; work even until piece measures 6 1/2" from beginning.

Gauge

24 sts and 33 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch (St st)

Calf and Body

Change to St st; work even until piece measures 9 1/2" from beginning.

Shape Calf: Next rnd, Decrease rnd: Work 1 st, ssk, work around to last 3 sts, k2tog, work 1 st.

Work 1 rnd even.

Change to A, work 2 rnds even.

Change to MC, work 1 rnd even.

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CANYON HIKING SOCKS JULIA TRICE

In California, we have so many great trails to take hikes and long walks on with our dogs or family and friends.

From Knit Cafe, which is in the heart of urban West Hollywood, I can drive to a hiking trail within five to ten minutes depending on traffic.

These knee-high socks are super-comfortable thanks to the shaping along the calf—and are great for protecting legs from bugs and thorns. When not hiking, I also like them with a casual skirt.

Sizes

Yarn

Needles

Notions

Small (Medium, Large) To fit US woman’s shoe size 5-6 (7-8, 9-10) Shown in size Medium

Rowan Wool Cotton (50% wool / 50% cotton; 123 yards / 50 grams): 5 (5, 6) skeins #956 coffee rich (dark brown; MC); 1 skein each #960 laurel (bright green; A), #955 ship shape (blue; B), #911 rich (red; C) and #942 mellow yellow (light yellow; D)

One set of 5 double-pointed needles (dpn) size US 3 (3.25 mm)

Stitch markers; yarn needle

NOTES

Socks are knit on four needles.

The fifth needle is used to pick up gusset stitches.

Cuff

Using MC, CO 60 (64, 68) sts. Distribute sts on three needles as follows: Needle one (N1) [half of back of sock]: 15 (16, 17) sts.

30

Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

Needle two (N2) [top of sock]: 30 (32, 34) sts.

Needle three (N3) [half of back of sock]: 15 (16, 17) sts.

Join for working in the rnd, being careful not to twist sts; place marker for beginning of rnd. Begin k2, p2 rib; work even until piece measures 4" from beginning. Change to k1, p1 rib; work even until piece measures 6 1/2" from beginning.

Gauge

24 sts and 33 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch (St st)

Calf and Body

Change to St st; work even until piece measures 9 1/2" from beginning.

Shape Calf: Next rnd, Decrease rnd: Work 1 st, ssk, work around to last 3 sts, k2tog, work 1 st.

Work 1 rnd even.

Change to A, work 2 rnds even.

Change to MC, work 1 rnd even.

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judy's grandmother's baby sweater

jud y s p ector

or the best-fitting, no seam, reversible baby sweater

Soon after I opened Knit Cafe, Judy showed me this adorable reversible sweater, which is based on a design passed down to her from her grandmother. I was drawn to its style as well as the way it’s knitted—you work it from side to side, starting with 6 stitches for the strap. I immediately arranged with Judy to carry the pattern in the shop and since then I have seen it worked in cashmere, cashmerino, alpaca, merino wool, wool-cotton, and cotton.

Sizes

Yarn

Needles

Notions

Newborn/Infant (6 Months) Shown in size 6 months

Classic Elite Premiere (50% cotton / 50% Tencel; 108 yards / 50 grams): 4 balls #5212 mimosa (creamy, pale yellow)

One pair straight needles size US 5 (3.75 mm)

Point protectors, row markers, yarn needle

One set double-pointed needles (dpn) size US 5 (3.75 mm)

Gauge

Finished Measurements

Chest: 16 (18)" Shoulder to hem: 9 (10)" Shoulder to cuff: 8 (9)"

23 sts and 40 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Garter stitch

Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

It looks great in all of them, but my personal favorite is Classic Elite’s Premiere Pima Cotton with Tencel, which is a baby-soft, luxurious yarn that comes in really pretty colors and is environmentally friendly (Tencel—the trade name for the generic fiber lyocell—is a completely biodegradable fiber made from the wood pulp from trees grown on managed farms.) Once, while on a trip to New York, I made this sweater, then ripped it out and made it again, not because there was anything wrong with my work but because I didn’t have another project to work on and all the yarn shops in town were closed. I know that seems nutty to some people. All I can tell you is it’s a really fun pattern and I enjoy it every time I work on it! In the photo at right Komari is wearing the “back” of the sweater in front.

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judy's grandmother's baby sweater

jud y s p ector

or the best-fitting, no seam, reversible baby sweater

Soon after I opened Knit Cafe, Judy showed me this adorable reversible sweater, which is based on a design passed down to her from her grandmother. I was drawn to its style as well as the way it’s knitted—you work it from side to side, starting with 6 stitches for the strap. I immediately arranged with Judy to carry the pattern in the shop and since then I have seen it worked in cashmere, cashmerino, alpaca, merino wool, wool-cotton, and cotton.

Sizes

Yarn

Needles

Notions

Newborn/Infant (6 Months) Shown in size 6 months

Classic Elite Premiere (50% cotton / 50% Tencel; 108 yards / 50 grams): 4 balls #5212 mimosa (creamy, pale yellow)

One pair straight needles size US 5 (3.75 mm)

Point protectors, row markers, yarn needle

One set double-pointed needles (dpn) size US 5 (3.75 mm)

Gauge

Finished Measurements

Chest: 16 (18)" Shoulder to hem: 9 (10)" Shoulder to cuff: 8 (9)"

23 sts and 40 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Garter stitch

Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

It looks great in all of them, but my personal favorite is Classic Elite’s Premiere Pima Cotton with Tencel, which is a baby-soft, luxurious yarn that comes in really pretty colors and is environmentally friendly (Tencel—the trade name for the generic fiber lyocell—is a completely biodegradable fiber made from the wood pulp from trees grown on managed farms.) Once, while on a trip to New York, I made this sweater, then ripped it out and made it again, not because there was anything wrong with my work but because I didn’t have another project to work on and all the yarn shops in town were closed. I know that seems nutty to some people. All I can tell you is it’s a really fun pattern and I enjoy it every time I work on it! In the photo at right Komari is wearing the “back” of the sweater in front.

60

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LACY SKIRT WITH BOWS K AT C O Y L E

This contemporary skirt with a vintage flair is worked back and forth from the bottom up. The front and the back are the same. The bottom half is made of lace panels, three in the front and three in the back. It looks pretty with a delicate blouse but is just as much fun with a sweater and boots.

sizes

Yarn

Needles

Notions

Small (Medium, Large)

Twisted Sisters Daktari Monochromatic Variegate (100% cotton, slubbed; 145 yards / 50 grams): 4 (5, 6) skeins #120166 cappuccino (tan; MC)

Two 24" circular (circ) needles size US 6 (4 mm)

Size G/6 (4 mm) crochet hook, yarn needle, row counter

Finished measurements

(without drawstring) Waist: 26 (30, 411/2)" Hips: 30 (37, 49)" Length: 23" Shown in size Small

Lana Grossa India (100% nylon; 60 yards / 50 grams): 1 skein #03 tan (CC)

One 24" circ needle size US 5 (3.75 mm) Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

21 sts and 29 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch (St st) using smaller needles 25 sts = 4" (10 cm) in Lace Pattern using larger needles

NOTES

Front and Back

One of the larger circular needles is used to hold lace panels while others are being worked.

(make two, both alike)

pattern stitches

Lace Pattern (multiple of 12 sts plus 1) Rows 1–4: Knit.

Rows 5, 7, 9, and 11: (WS) K1, *k2tog twice, [yo, k1] 3 times, yo, ssk twice, k1; repeat from * across.

Rows 6, 8, 10, and 12: Purl.

Repeat Rows 1–12 for Lace pattern.

74

Gauge

Lace Panels: (make three, all alike) Using MC and larger needles and the Long-Tail Cast On Method, CO 37 (49, 61) sts. Begin in Lace pattern; work 24 rows even, end with a WS row. Work first and second panels, cut yarn and place live sts on spare larger circular needle for later joining, then work third panel, do not cut yarn.

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LACY SKIRT WITH BOWS K AT C O Y L E

This contemporary skirt with a vintage flair is worked back and forth from the bottom up. The front and the back are the same. The bottom half is made of lace panels, three in the front and three in the back. It looks pretty with a delicate blouse but is just as much fun with a sweater and boots.

sizes

Yarn

Needles

Notions

Small (Medium, Large)

Twisted Sisters Daktari Monochromatic Variegate (100% cotton, slubbed; 145 yards / 50 grams): 4 (5, 6) skeins #120166 cappuccino (tan; MC)

Two 24" circular (circ) needles size US 6 (4 mm)

Size G/6 (4 mm) crochet hook, yarn needle, row counter

Finished measurements

(without drawstring) Waist: 26 (30, 411/2)" Hips: 30 (37, 49)" Length: 23" Shown in size Small

Lana Grossa India (100% nylon; 60 yards / 50 grams): 1 skein #03 tan (CC)

One 24" circ needle size US 5 (3.75 mm) Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

21 sts and 29 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch (St st) using smaller needles 25 sts = 4" (10 cm) in Lace Pattern using larger needles

NOTES

Front and Back

One of the larger circular needles is used to hold lace panels while others are being worked.

(make two, both alike)

pattern stitches

Lace Pattern (multiple of 12 sts plus 1) Rows 1–4: Knit.

Rows 5, 7, 9, and 11: (WS) K1, *k2tog twice, [yo, k1] 3 times, yo, ssk twice, k1; repeat from * across.

Rows 6, 8, 10, and 12: Purl.

Repeat Rows 1–12 for Lace pattern.

74

Gauge

Lace Panels: (make three, all alike) Using MC and larger needles and the Long-Tail Cast On Method, CO 37 (49, 61) sts. Begin in Lace pattern; work 24 rows even, end with a WS row. Work first and second panels, cut yarn and place live sts on spare larger circular needle for later joining, then work third panel, do not cut yarn.

G R E E T I NGS F RO M K NI T CA F E

75

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slouchy cardigan h elen E rou x

This is the perfect sweater to wear with your pajamas, especially on those mornings when you have to take the kids to school but don’t feel like getting dressed. It’s the sweater you wear on Sundays curled up with the newspaper or while cutting flowers in your garden on cool mornings. The flared sleeves and curly sides keep it pretty and feminine and the DK weight alpaca, worked at a slightly larger than usual gauge, keeps it light and cozy.

Sizes

finished measurements

Needles

Notions

Small/Medium (Medium/Large)

34 (35)"

One pair straight needles size US 8 (5 mm) needles

Stitch markers, yarn needle

To fit women’s bust size 32"-34" (34"-36")

Twisted Sisters Hand-Dyed Avarice (100% alpaca; 145 yards / 50 grams): 8 (9) skeins in lilac

Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

19 sts and 25 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch (St st)

Shown in size Medium/Large

Yarn

Back

CO 84 (88) sts Row 1: (WS) *K1, p1; rep from * across.

Change to St st; work even until piece measures 4" from beginning, end with a WS row.

Shape Sides: (RS) Decrease 1 st each side on this row – 82 (86) sts remain Work even until piece measures 8" from beginning, end with a WS row.

Decrease 1 st each side on this row – 80 (84) sts remain.

114

Gauge

Work even until piece measures 161/2" from beginning, end with a WS row.

Shape Armholes: (RS) BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows, 2 sts at beginning of next 4 rows – 66 (70) sts remain. Decrease 1 st each side every row 3 times – 60 (64) sts remain.

Work even until Armhole measures 91/2" from beginning of shaping, ending with a WS row.

Shape Shoulders: (RS) BO 5 sts at beginning of next 4 rows, 4 (6) sts at beginning of next 2 rows – 32 sts remain. BO remaining sts.

G R E E T I NGS F RO M K NI T CA F E

115

COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL F_Knit Cafe_022-144_TP2_mech.indd 114-115

COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL 2/10/09 12:49:39 PM

slouchy cardigan h elen E rou x

This is the perfect sweater to wear with your pajamas, especially on those mornings when you have to take the kids to school but don’t feel like getting dressed. It’s the sweater you wear on Sundays curled up with the newspaper or while cutting flowers in your garden on cool mornings. The flared sleeves and curly sides keep it pretty and feminine and the DK weight alpaca, worked at a slightly larger than usual gauge, keeps it light and cozy.

Sizes

finished measurements

Needles

Notions

Small/Medium (Medium/Large)

34 (35)"

One pair straight needles size US 8 (5 mm) needles

Stitch markers, yarn needle

To fit women’s bust size 32"-34" (34"-36")

Twisted Sisters Hand-Dyed Avarice (100% alpaca; 145 yards / 50 grams): 8 (9) skeins in lilac

Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

19 sts and 25 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch (St st)

Shown in size Medium/Large

Yarn

Back

CO 84 (88) sts Row 1: (WS) *K1, p1; rep from * across.

Change to St st; work even until piece measures 4" from beginning, end with a WS row.

Shape Sides: (RS) Decrease 1 st each side on this row – 82 (86) sts remain Work even until piece measures 8" from beginning, end with a WS row.

Decrease 1 st each side on this row – 80 (84) sts remain.

114

Gauge

Work even until piece measures 161/2" from beginning, end with a WS row.

Shape Armholes: (RS) BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows, 2 sts at beginning of next 4 rows – 66 (70) sts remain. Decrease 1 st each side every row 3 times – 60 (64) sts remain.

Work even until Armhole measures 91/2" from beginning of shaping, ending with a WS row.

Shape Shoulders: (RS) BO 5 sts at beginning of next 4 rows, 4 (6) sts at beginning of next 2 rows – 32 sts remain. BO remaining sts.

G R E E T I NGS F RO M K NI T CA F E

115

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COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL 2/10/09 12:49:39 PM

• T

NS G

DES I

Interweave knits

”

“ W arm, ripe, almost glowing, and

populated with a circle of wonderful

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from

KNIT CAFE

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upd ate d & n o w in pa perback !

stepping into your favorite yarn shop — it is

Knitter’s review

Knit Cafe Journal ISBN 978-1-58479-500-1

S T C C raft C lassic

GIN A RI

Greetings from Knit Cafe is like “Opening

and unusual friends.

Knit Cafe Note Cards ISBN 978-1-58479-482-0

H

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Also Available from STC Craft

Chanel-is

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GREETINGS

Victoria Pearson is a distinguished photographer specializing in still life, travel, food, and beauty. Among her many clients are Mercedes, Martha Stewart Living, and Pottery Barn. She lives in Los Angeles.

Jacket h Cardigan

Mischer

Suzan Mischer was vice president for specials and documentaries at CBS until the mid-1990s, when she left her job to raise her children.

Among her credits at CBS were the Grammy Awards, the Tony Awards, and the Presidential Inaugural Gala. Mischer lives in Los Angeles, where she opened Knit Cafe in 2002.

Stewart, Tabori & Chang An imprint of Harry N. Abrams, Inc. 115 West 18th Street New York, NY 10011 www.stcbooks.com www.melaniefalickbooks.com Cover photographs © 2006 by Victoria Pearson Cover design by Sarah Von Dreele and Tina Gianesini Printed in China

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This colorful, cozy, and chic book offers thirty of Knit Cafe’s most popular patterns for “California style” projects—from hiking socks and a hoodie to a bikini and a “red carpet” gown. It also features stories about how the celebrated store came to be, the daily goingson, and the improbable mix of actors, surfers, doctors, and directors that gather there. Even a few favorite recipes from regular customers

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2/10/09 1:59:22 PM